Here are today's top things to keep an eye on:
- Today's first practice session is open to the public. Practice begins at 8:30 a.m. with gates opening at 7:30 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, practice will be closed and the team will head to their indoor practice facility. To find out the latest on the weather, follow us on Twitter @AtlantaFalcons, keep checking AtlantaFalcons.com, sign up for Verizon text alerts or call our camp hotline at 770.965.2752.
- The Falcons got their first taste of some live hitting Monday as head coach Mike Smith held an impromptu scrimmage for the rookies. Could there be more hitting on the horizon as we draw closer to Friday? We'll find out today.
- The defense once again took the day Monday, at least from my vantage point. It's important to point out, however, that it's not uncommon for defenses to be ahead of offenses at this point in camp. Plus, it's not like the Falcons' offense has been sputtering. Quite the contrary, actually. But the defense is just that one step ahead of the other side right now, and we can probably expect more of a defensive show again today as the offense continues to make its progression.
- Some wide receivers not named Julio Jones have begun to stand out lately. Second-year player Brandyn Harvey and rookies Kevin Cone, Drew Davis and PJ Gore have all made some nice plays during practice, and even during Monday's brief scrimmage.
- It looks like there may be some opportunities for the UDFAs at the cornerback and safety positions to make a push toward the final roster. Several have begun to stand out at times, including Notre Dame's Darrin Walls and Rhode Island's Matt Hansen, and Friday vs. Miami will be a big test to see which of the UDFAs at those positions might be able to contribute beyond the preseason.
- Back to the wide receiver position, I need to point out how impressive Julio is once again. This guy practices like he plays. He'll lay out for passes during drills and can constantly be seen picking position coach Terry Robiskie's brain for knowledge. His work ethic and athletic ability are unbelievable.
